Lighted push button switch assembly



Nov. 28, 967 G. J. BURY 3,355,565

LIGHTED PUSH BUTTON SWITCH ASSEMBLY Filed March 1, 1967 INVENTOR. 24 George J. Bury His Aff'ys United States Patent Ofilice Patented Nov. 28, 1967 3,355,566 LIGHTED PUSH BUTTON SWITCH ASSEMBLY George J. Bury, Lake Villa, 111., assignor to Illinois Tool Works Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Filed Mar. 1, 1967, Ser. No. 619,821 7 Claims. (Cl. 200167) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A lighted push button switch device having a manually removable hollow push button element mounted for reciprocable movement around fixed lamp means on a bracket member to operate one or more switch devices which, in turn, are capable of electrically connecting the lamp means to a power source.

Background of the invention (1) FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to the lighted push button switch field which includes various switch devices and assemblies which are designed to provide a visual indication of a circuit through a lighted portion of the switch assembly or device upon actuation of the switch push button.

With the myriad of complex functions performed by computer devices, control devices and the like, standards have been imposed upon many of the component parts thereof including lighted push button switch devices requiring them to be compact, highly precise and versatile. More particularly, where lighted push button switch devices are involved, the switching that occurs in such devices must meet exacting demands of millions of cycles of operation without failure, the overall assembly must be compact for mounting of a plurality of switch assemblies or devices in switch banks or in very close quarters, and the switch assembly or device must provide easy mounting to an apertured panel or the like and at the same time enable the quick and easy removal and replacement of lamps without disturbing the switch mounting.

(2) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART The herein disclosed lighted push button switch assembly is an improvement over the type of switch assembly disclosed and claimed in US. Patent No. 3,118,038, dated Jan. 14, 1964. In this prior patent, a lighted push button switch assembly is disclosed having a pair of snap-action switch devices mounted in side-by-side relationship within a U-shaped bracket member, a lamp element extending between the side-by-side disposed switch devices and having a lamp socket projecting therea-bove for receiving a lamp bulb, and a hollow push button switch device mounted for relative movement on the bracket member with the hollow portion thereof aligned with the lamp bulb and socket to permit actuation of the push button element which, in turn, engages switch plunger elements associated with each of the snap-action switch devices for operation thereof, the movement of the hollow push button element being accomplished without disturbing or otherwise engaging the lamp socket and its associated lamp bulb.

Sitmmary of the invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighted push button switch device or assembly which incorporates a manually removable hollow push button switch element to facilitate removal and replacement of lamp bulbs associated with the push device or assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the lighted push button switch assembly of the foregoing type which, when assembled to a switch bracket member, is releaseably retained thereto and properly oriented for operation of switch devices which control the lighted and unlighted condition of the lamp.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a lighted push button switch device or assembly which provides a highly compact bracket mounting assembly for a pair of switch devices.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are attained by the provision of a lighted push button switch assembly which includes a pair of snapaction switch devices each operated by a switch actuator element and being mounted to a bracket element on opposite sides of lamp means, the assembly including a manually removable hollow push button element for operating each of the switch actuator elements and being mounted in slidable relationship on the bracket element with the hollow portion thereof aligned with the lamp means, the hollow push button element further including means for releaseably retaining the same relative to the bracket element. In other forms of the invention, the bracket element preferably incorporates a T-shaped configuration which includes cross-bar and stem portions, each of the snap-action switch devices being mounted to the stem portion of the bracket formed on opposite sides thereof with the switch actuator elements extending towards and preferably encompassed within the confines of the cross-bar portion of the bracket element to provide the compact switch assembly construction.

Brie) description of the drawings FIG. 1 is an exploded side elevational view of a lighted push button switch assembly which is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective end elevational view, part of which is in section, showing the manner in which the manually removable hollow push button switch element of the lighted push button switch assembly is moved into assembled position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the hollow push button switch element completely assembled to the remainder of the switch assembly; and

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary end elevational View partly in section, showing the disposition of the hollow push button switch element within the switch assembly for operation of the switch devices.

Brief description of the preferred embodiment The lighted push button switch assembly 10 of the present invention generally comprises a bracket member or element 12 to which a pair of snap-action switch devices 14 are mounted, lamp means 16 associated with the bracket member or element 12 and including a lamp bulb 18, and a manually removable hollow push button element 20 which is slidably mounted relative to the bracket member or element 12. The specific relationship of the generally identified components of the switch assembly 10 and the manner in which they are located and function relative to one another will now be set forth.

The bracket member or element 12 is preferably injection molded from an insulating material, polycarbonate being one example. The bracket member 12 includes a T- shaped section which defines cross-bar and stem portions identified 2224 respectively. The bracket member 12 also includes an externally threaded neck portion 26 which is integrally joined to the cross-bar portion 22, but extends in a direction opposite to the stem portion 24 of the T-shaped bracket section. A nut member 23 is adapted to be used with the externally threaded neck portion 26 to mount the bracket member or element 12 to an apertured panel 39 as illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawmg.

The cross-bar and stem portions 22, 24 respectively of the T-shaped section are arranged and proportioned to the necessary extent to receive the pair of snap-action switch devices 14 on opposite sides of the stem portion 24 with the top surfaces of the switch devices 14 being positioned immediately adjacent the lower face of the cross-bar portion 22. Suitable fastening means 32 in the form of rivets, bolts or the like are used to mount the switch devices 14 t the stem portion 24 on opposite sides thereof as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing. The cross-bar and stem portions 22, 24 respectively of the T-shaped bracket section are proportioned relative to one another and to the sides of the switch devices 14 such that when the switch devices 14 are fixedly mounted to the stem portion 24 as illustrated in the drawing, a rectangular body will be provided.

Each of the switch devices 14 are fashioned after the switch disclosed and claimed in US Patent No. 2,840,- 657. Thus, it is unnecessary to go into the details of the switch except to note that the switch is of the single pole, double throw variety incorporating a snap-action switch mechanism 34 which provides an electrical connection to the various terminal elements 36 associated therewith. To operate each of the switch devices 14, a

suitable switch actuator or plunger element 38 is provided to effect the operation of the switch mechanism 34.

As best seen in FIG. 2 of the drawing, each of the switch devices 14 preferably have one open face which will be in confronting relation to the stem portion 24 so that the stem portion 24 will serve as a common cover element for each of the two switch devices, thus reducing the cost for the overall assembly. When mounted to the stem portion 24, the switch actuator or plunger element 38 of each switch device are adapted to be positioned within suitably shaped openings 40 provided in the cross-bar portion of the T-shaped bracket section. This will not only permit the switch devices 14 to be mounted to the bracket member or element 12 so that the upper face or surface thereof is positioned immediately adjacent the lower face of the cross-bar portion 22 as previously mentioned, but also positions the switch actuator or plunger element 38 for engagement by the hollow push button element 20 as will be described hereinafter. Each of the openings 40 on opposite sides of the cross-bar portion 22 are transversely arranged relative to and intersects a bore 42 also formed in the cross-bar portion 22 and arranged in parallel relationship to the stem portion 24 of the T-shaped bracket section. The bore 42 connects with a bore 44 provided in the externally thread neck portion 26 as readily depicted in FIG. 4 of the drawing for receiving and guiding the hollow push button element 20 in a manner to be described.

The lamp means 16 includes a pair of terminal elements 46 which are integrally mounted to the stem portion 24 and extend upwardly through the bores 42, 44 to a lamp socket 48, the latter in turn capable of receiving and mounting the lamp bulb 18 therein. Preferably, the lamp bulb 18 is arranged to project a suitable distance beyond the uppermost extremity of the externally threaded neck portion 26 to permit removal and replacement of the lamp bulb when desired. While the lamp means 16 may be fixedly mounted to the bracket member or element 12 in any preferred manner, the illustrated embodiment shows a lamp terminal 46 as being molded in place relative to the stem portion 24 of the T- shaped bracket section.

The hollow push button element 20 is provided for op erating the switch devices 14 which, in turn, control the lighted and unlighted conditions of the lamp bulb 18 to give a visual indication of the circuit to which the switches 14 and lamp means 16 are connected. The hollow push button element 20 is preferably made from a plastic material that is pellucid, that is, either transparent or translucent, colored or clear depending on the characteristics desired. The hollow push button element 20 has a diameter sufiiciently smaller than the communicating bores 42, 44 of the cross-bar portion 22 and threaded neck portion 26 respectively so as to be freely accepted therein. The hollow portion of the push button element 20 is aligned with a lamp bulb 18 and lamp socket 48 of the lamp means 16 so that the push button 20 may be reciprocated within the communicating bores 42, 44 without disturbing or contacting these portions of the lamp means 16.

At the lower end of the push button element, there is provided a pair of generally opposed deflectable spring fingers 50 which are each formed by a pair of longitudinal slots 52 on opposite sides thereof which extend from the lower end of the push button asyseen in FIG. 1. Thus, each of the deflectable spring fingers are capable of moving radially inwardly and outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow push button element 20. At the'outer free extremity of each deflectable spring finger 50, a resiliently supported locking tooth portion 54 is provided for releaseably retaining the hollow push button element 20 relative to the remainder of the switch assembly. The diametrical measurement across the generally opposed resiliently supported locking teeth 54 is greater than the internal diameter of the communicating bores 42, 44 causing the spring fingers 50 to deflect in the manner shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing when the hollow push button element is inserted within the bore 44. Each of the deflectable spring fingers 50 will remain in this condition until the resiliently supported locking teeth 54 are disposed in alignment with each of the openings 40 of the cross-bar portion 22 whereupon they will move radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow push button element 20 so that they will be positioned within the openings 40.

The complete assembly of the hollow push button element 20 relative to the remainder of the switch components is best seen in FIG. 4 of the drawing. It will be noted that each of the resiliently supported locking teeth 54 provided on each of the deflectable spring fingers 50 are positioned within the openings 40 so that the plunger element 20 will not only be held in assembled relationship to the other switch components, but will be in proper position for engaging the switch actuator or plunger element 38 for operation of theswitch devices. In this regard, it will be noted that the tubular portion of the hollow push button element 20 is shown in the illustrated embodiment as being in direct alignment with the switch actuator or plunger elements 28.

While the hollow push button element 20 is retained by the deflectable spring fingers and their associated locking teeth within the bracket member or element 12, it is possible to manually remove the push button element by exerting a pulling force thereon which will cause the locking teeth 54 to be cammed inwardly by marginal portions surrounding the openings 40 until the locking teeth 54 and their deflectable spring fingers are positioned within the communicating bores 42, 44 of the bracket member. Thus, it can be seen that the hollow push button element 20 is easily inserted into slidable relationship with respect to the bracket member or element 12 while being manually removable therefrom to permit removal and replacement of the lamp bulb which preferably extends beyond the outer end of the threaded neck portion 26 for easy manipulation thereof.

From the foregoing, it will now be appreciated that the present invention contemplates a lighted push button switch assembly incorporating improved mounting features for various components thereof which provides greater compactness and versatility than related prior art switch assemblies. It will also be understood that various changes may be made in the structure of the illustrated embodiment without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. For example, the push button element 20 has been disclosed as incorporating features therein which permit it to be releaseably retained relative to its bracket member. Alternatively, such features may be provided on the bracket member if such is desired. Other variations in the disclosed embodiment might relative to the number, size and spacing of the defiectable fingers, the use of lamp terminals of different constructions which are mounted to the bracket element or member in a difierent fashion than disclosed, and other types of variations and modifications which come within the purview of the invention as disclosed and claimed.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is with full awareness that many modifications thereof are possible. The invention, therefore, is not be restricted except insofar as is necessitated by the prior art and by the spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A lighted push button switch device comprising a T-shaped bracket member including cross-bar and stem portions, a pair of switch housings each mounted to the stem portion of the bracket member on opposite sides thereof, each switch housing incorporating a switch mechanism operated by a switch actuator which extends from the switch housing in a direction toward the cross-bar portion, lamp means mounted to the bracket member intermediate the switch actuators and projecting through a bore formed in the cross-bar portion of the bracket member, and a hollow push button element disposed within the bore of the cross-bar portion with the hollow portion thereof being aligned with and receiving said lamp means for movement of said push button element independent of said lamp means, said push button element including a pair of finger portions each capable of being aligned with one of the switch actuators for operation thereof upon actuation of the push button element.

2. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein each switch actuator is adapted to be received within an opening formed in the cross-bar portion of the bracket member which is transversely arranged relative to and intersects the bore receiving the hollow push button element, each of the finger portions of the push button element disposed within one of said openings for aligning the finger portions of the push button element relative to the switch actuators for operation thereof.

3. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein said hollow push button element including its finger portions are in direct alignment with each of the switch actuators associated with the switch housings.

4. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein said bracket member further includes a neck portion extending therefrom in a direction opposite to said stem portion and having a bore therethrough connecting with the bore in said bracket member and of sufficient size to receive and guide the push button element during its movement.

5. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein each of the switch housing have one open face and are mounted to the stem portion of the bracket member in a manner to cover the open faces thereof.

6. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein the lamp means is mounted within the stem portion of the bracket member.

7. In a lighted push button switch assembly having a pair of snap-action switch devices each operated by a switch actuator element and being mounted to a bracket element on opposite sides of lamp means, the improvement comprising a manually removabie hollow push button eiernent for operating each switch actuator element and mounted in slidable relationship on said bracket element with the hollow portion thereof aligned with and receiving said lamp means, and means releaseably retaining the hollow push button element relative to said bracket element including a pair of deflectable spring fingers on said hollow push button element each positioned within an opening provided in the bracket element, each said opening being aligned with one of the switch actuator elements for orienting each defiectable spring finger relative to one of the switch actuator elements, each defiectable spring finger when received by its respective opening being positioned for engaging and operating one of said switch actuator elements.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1964 McKnight 200l67 8/1966 Vincent 200-167 

7. IN A LIGHTED PUSH BUTTON SWITCH ASSEMBLY HAVING A PAIR OF SNAP-ACTION SWITCH DEVICE EACH OPERATED BY A SWICTH ACTUATOR ELEMENT AND BEING MOUNTED OT A BRACKET ELEMENT ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF LAMP MEANS, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING A MANUALLY REMOVABLE HOLLOW PUSH BUTTON ELEMENT FOR OPERATING EACH SWITCH ACTUATOR ELEMENT AND MOUNTED IN SLIDABLE RELATIONSHIP ON SAID BRACKET ELEMENT WITH THE HOLLOW PORTION THEREOF ALIGNED WITH AND RECEIVING SAID LAMP MEANS, AND MEANS RELEASABLY RETAINING THE HOLLOW PUSH BUTTON ELEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID BRACKET ELEMENT INCLUDING A PAIR OF DEFLECTABLE SPRING FINGERS ON SAID HOLLOW PUSH BUTTON ELEMENT EACH POSITIONED WITHIN AN OPENING PROVIDED IN THE BRACKET ELEMENT, EACH SAID OPENING BEING ALIGNED WITH ONE OF THE SWITCH ACTUATOR ELEMENTS FOR ORIENTING EACH DEFLECTABLE SPRING FINGER RELATIVE TO ONE OF THE SWITCH ACTUATOR ELEMENTS, EACH DEFLECTABLE SPRING FINGER WHEN RECEIVED BY ITS RESPECTIVE OPENING BEING POSITIONED FOR ENGAGING AND PERATING ONE OF SAID SWITCH ACTUATOR ELEMENTS. 